Summer/Fall 2008

Issue 4 · analyzed

17 ideas

pitch long worked
+23.2%
LB L Brands, Inc.
Pershing Square Challenge

Amy Chen presented a thesis on L Brands, highlighting its recent restructuring and manageable debt levels. She emphasized the company's strong fundamentals and potential for growth, addressing concerns about store owners…

pitch long
ACXM Acxiom Corporation
Pershing Square Challenge

Vikas Jain argued that Acxiom Corporation is a good business run poorly, suggesting that management could implement several strategies to enhance the company's stock price. His analysis included considerations of proprie…

pitch long failed
-18.4%
KMX CarMax, Inc.
Pershing Square Challenge

Adam Lindsay advocated for a long position in CarMax, citing its strong competitive position in the used car market and potential for expansion. He demonstrated a deep understanding of the business, particularly regardin…

pitch long inconclusive
CSX CSX Corporation
Pershing Square Challenge

CSX benefits from a combination of growing demand and tight capacity for coal, which has to go by rail. The company's strong position in the rail-based transportation services market makes it a compelling investment oppo…

pitch long
NTRI NutriSystem Inc.
Pershing Square Challenge

NutriSystem Inc. has a strong business model with low capital requirements and high financial returns. Despite recent stock price declines due to competitive threats, the company is expected to maintain its pricing power…

pitch long
NutriSystem
Pershing Square Challenge

NutriSystem is undervalued due to its strong brand and market position in the weight loss industry. The company has a solid business model that generates consistent cash flow, and with the right marketing strategies, it …

position long
STEI Stewart Enterprises

Stewart Enterprises operates in the funeral services business, which is straightforward and stable. The business model is resilient due to the inevitability of death, and it is not easy for competitors to enter the marke…

position long failed
-76.2%
WCG Wellcare Health Plans, Inc.

Wellcare is a textbook example of a company that experienced a significant drop in stock price due to external events, specifically a federal investigation. Despite this, the fundamentals of the business remain strong, a…

position long failed
-94.3%
PTR PetroChina Company Limited

Warren Buffett noted that when he first looked at PetroChina, he believed it was worth about $100 billion, but it was only selling for $35 billion at the time. This significant discount for one of the world’s largest oil…

position long
non-bank financials

Weiss suggested non-bank financials as overlooked pockets of value, indicating potential for growth in this sector.

position long
exchanges

Weiss identified exchanges as another area where value might be found, suggesting they could offer good investment opportunities.

position long
credit card processors

Weiss mentioned credit card processors as part of the overlooked value in the financial sector, indicating they may be undervalued.

position long
Japan

Eveillard commented on the presence of world-class industrial companies in Japan, suggesting they could be good investment opportunities.

position long
Nestle

Mr. Russo singled out Nestle as an excellent European company, indicating it as a potential investment.

position long
luxury goods companies

Winters expressed interest in stocks of luxury goods companies, noting that their stocks have been significantly impacted, presenting a potential buying opportunity.

position long
financials

Hess remarked that she especially likes financials with moats around them, indicating a preference for stable companies in this sector.

position long
retail

Hess also mentioned retail as an area of interest, suggesting potential opportunities in this sector.